Deadline: 06-Apr-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting qualified national NGOs, CSOs, and firms to implement a USD 500,000 project in Malakal and surrounding areas, South Sudan, focused on market-linked climate-smart agriculture, vocational skills training, and livelihood support for displacement-affected populations. The initiative aims to reach 20,000 direct beneficiaries, including refugees, returnees, IDPs, and host communities, with a strong focus on youth and women.
About the UNDP Opportunity
UNDP is seeking an implementing partner to deliver an integrated livelihood and community resilience intervention for displacement-affected populations in Malakal and nearby areas.
The project is designed to support durable solutions, strengthen local recovery, and improve livelihoods in communities that have faced years of conflict, displacement, and instability.
It combines:
- Climate-smart agriculture value chains
- Vocational and market-driven skills training
- Enterprise development
- Village savings and loan systems
- Cash-for-work infrastructure activities
- Community development and peacebuilding support
Why This Project Matters
Malakal and surrounding areas have experienced repeated conflict over the past decade, leading to long-term displacement and major economic and social disruption.
This intervention takes a broader recovery approach by supporting both displaced populations and host communities. It aims to reduce vulnerability, address local tensions, strengthen social cohesion, and create more sustainable income opportunities.
Main Project Objectives
The selected organization will help create an enabling environment for durable solutions by focusing on:
- Improving income and revenue generation
- Expanding skills development linked to market demand
- Supporting employment and enterprise creation
- Strengthening community-level savings and credit systems
- Promoting financial literacy and investment opportunities
- Improving access to basic services and community infrastructure
- Supporting housing, land and property-related assistance
- Encouraging peaceful coexistence and local ownership
Target Beneficiaries
The project is expected to reach 20,000 direct beneficiaries.
Target groups include:
- Refugees
- Returnees
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Host communities
Inclusion priorities
- Strong focus on youth
- Strong focus on women
- Women must make up 50% of participants
Key Activities Expected
The selected service provider will carry out a structured implementation process.
1. Inception and planning phase
This includes:
- Stakeholder consultations
- Development of implementation plans
- Community-based participatory planning
2. Beneficiary selection and group formation
This includes:
- Selecting participants equitably
- Organizing beneficiaries into:
- Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)
- Business groups
- Aligning groups with viable economic activities
3. Capacity building and training
Youth and other beneficiaries will receive support in:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Vocational skills
- Business development
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy
- Career counseling
- Job placement
4. Start-up and livelihood support
This includes:
- Provision of start-up kits
- Support for transition into sustainable livelihoods
- Coaching and mentorship for micro and small enterprises
5. Enterprise and infrastructure development
This includes:
- Supporting formation of construction businesses
- Construction of houses and community infrastructure
- Use of cash-for-work schemes
- Creating employment while addressing urgent infrastructure needs
Funding Available
- Total project budget: up to USD 500,000
Administrative Cost Limit
Administrative costs must remain within the allowed ceiling.
- Admin costs should not exceed 10% to 20% of the total grant
Applicants should carefully structure budgets to stay within this range.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- National NGOs
- Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
- Firms
Applicants must be qualified to implement multi-component livelihood, skills, and community development programming in the target area.
What Makes a Strong Applicant?
UNDP will likely favor applicants that can demonstrate:
- Experience working with displacement-affected populations
- Strong delivery capacity in South Sudan or similar fragile contexts
- Experience in climate-smart agriculture
- Proven results in vocational training and livelihoods
- Ability to manage community-based groups such as VSLAs
- Capacity to deliver enterprise support and cash-for-work
- Strong safeguarding, inclusion, and accountability systems
- Ability to ensure gender balance, especially 50% female participation
How to Prepare a Strong Proposal
To improve your application:
- Show experience in Malakal or Upper Nile-type contexts, if applicable
- Present a clear plan linking skills training to real market demand
- Explain how you will ensure participation of women, youth, IDPs, returnees, and host communities
- Include a practical approach for VSLA formation and enterprise support
- Demonstrate conflict sensitivity and social cohesion integration
- Provide realistic plans for start-up kits, mentorship, and job placement
- Build a compliant budget with controlled admin costs
FAQ
1. Who is eligible to apply?
The call is open to qualified national NGOs, CSOs, and firms.
2. What is the total budget available?
The total budget for the intervention is up to USD 500,000.
3. Where will the project be implemented?
The project will be implemented in Malakal and surrounding areas, South Sudan.
4. Who are the target beneficiaries?
The project targets 20,000 direct beneficiaries, including:
- Refugees
- Returnees
- IDPs
- Host communities
5. Is there a gender requirement?
Yes. Women must make up 50% of participants.
6. What types of activities are expected?
Expected activities include:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Vocational training
- Entrepreneurship and financial literacy
- VSLAs and business groups
- Start-up kits
- Job placement
- Cash-for-work infrastructure
- Enterprise mentorship
7. Are administrative costs limited?
Yes. Administrative costs should not exceed 10% to 20% of the total grant.
Final Takeaway
This UNDP opportunity in South Sudan is a strong call for national NGOs, CSOs, and firms that can deliver integrated livelihoods, climate-smart agriculture, vocational skills, and community recovery support in Malakal.
With a USD 500,000 budget, a target of 20,000 beneficiaries, and a strong emphasis on women, youth, and displacement-affected communities, it is best suited for organizations with proven experience in fragile settings, market-linked livelihoods, and community-based implementation.
For more information, visit UNDP.